Glossary 1 paddle: our timetable or schedule that we pick up in the receiver’s office that comes with our defect card and books of transfers. This entire bundle is called an outfit. pre-op: usually done on a track in the bus barn and is a term for checking mirrors, lights, radio, horn, doors, wheelchair lift, …
Author Archives: driverdoug2002
Behind the Yellow Line
“Please move back. I need you to step back behind the yellow line while the coach is in motion.” I state, when the coach is full: Or, if someone does not have their fare ready and they are looking in their pockets or hand bag for change, I say, “I can’t see my mirrors.” The …
Afghanistan Banana Stand
The US and the UK now have lagging world currencies with real interest rates below inflation – and have money that has lost more value against gold than any other BRICS nation. Mirror, mirror, on the wall, who [has] the fairest [currency] of them all? c1937 Disney Pictures, from Grimm Faierie tales, Snow White and …
Sakude!
Sakude su sombrilla de aqua afuera! Please shake the water off your umbrella before entering the coach! A friend and coworker who experienced his first major rainfall wondered if I had any tips to keep the windscreen and mirrors clear. Baby heat in the coach climate control, and baby heat for the cab climate, are …
The Sisters of Charity
Some groups of non-SFMTA employees get to ride for free. Police, patrol special police, auxiliary police reserve, peace officers, and firefighters may ride for free if in full uniform after showing proper identification. The key phrase being, showing proper identification. I guess bus drivers, bartenders or bouncers are best versed in excuses offered as to …
Ho’o Pono Pono
In Oceania–of the many Samoan, Hawaiian, and New Zealand cultures–guilt caused by error–makes one sick. Harmony and health–to both the body and the land–can be healed by confessing the error, especially of sexual misconduct, in the tribal circle. Ho’o is to put to rights, to make right, such as in preparing to catch a wave. …
Gratitude List
If I am depressed and feeling like something isn’t just right, I can do a gratitude list. I can make a list of things for which I am grateful. If I feel heavy and hard against making such a list, I know I need to do one. I did one for finding my perfect apartment. …
Bai Lan – Tang Ping
Mandarin Chinese for Let It Rot – Lie Flat Boomers in the US have workplace stories to tell about newly hired Millennials losing interest at their job after just a few months. Many ad hoc committee groups or emergency overtime requests at work go unheeded by younger employees as if there is no expectation or …
Rent Control or No Rent Control: A Tale of Two Cities–San Francisco and Honolulu
-or- “What do I complain about most?” Word Press generates great starters for writers, and the one up today is, “What do I complain about most?” and I’d have to say it’s the rent. I’m sure I’m on solid ground with this one after looking at the national charts of rent and housing in major …
Continue reading “Rent Control or No Rent Control: A Tale of Two Cities–San Francisco and Honolulu”
Culture Shock
My favorite blogger is the Hello from Hawaii channel on YouTube. He talks in a general way that is liked by most people who watch his show. I’ve learned a lot listening to him. I didn’t catch his name, even when I crossed paths in real life. Here are some of the facts I learned …
The Dao of Doug: A Bus Driver's Perspective 